Call Rutte: let’s stand next to each other again

Prime Minister Mark Rutte calls in an interview in the AD for fraternization now that the corona measures are gradually being phased out. “My call is now, to myself and to all people: let’s visit each other again. Listen to each other. Stand next to each other.”

He comes with his call in response to the polarization that is going on in society as a result of discussions about corona and corona measures. “As if it is no longer possible to talk about a QR code, a booster or a vaccine, without leading to violent conflicts. The Netherlands has always discussed vigorously. We have no hierarchy. We are direct. But the undertone was always there. one with self-mockery, listening carefully to the other.”

He acknowledges that corona has had a major impact on the country and has personally affected a large group of people as a result. In the form of deaths, companies that got into trouble or children who are psychologically trapped. “And in the end it affected everyone, less or more. And yes, family ties and groups of friends have come under pressure. I can’t solve that, but I can only hope and urge that we rediscover our national character: discuss, but We are a cool country, make sure your family becomes a little cool again,” Rutte told the AD.

The prime minister does not think that his message conflicts with the fact that he has been the messenger of the corona measures for two years. “I chose politics. When a monster presents itself, you have to look it in the eye. That monster is the pandemic. And it could only be combated with severe measures. And now I say, also to myself, and to my 17 million fellow countrymen: a lot has happened, but we have to find each other again a little bit.” Rutte emphasizes the necessity of the measures. “I had no choice. And I think the vast majority of people get that.”